The third time was the charm Friday when Gregori met Ripon Christian for a third non-league game in the last four weeks.

This was for the Oakdale Rotary Classic championship, and Ripon Christian was ultimately done in by a cold-shooting opening half in the 56-50 defeat. The Knights (9-5), who had their win streak snapped as six, could only muster seven points in the second quarter and trailed by as much as 14, 37-23, in the third before finding their groove.

Gregori (9-7) made clutch free throws in the end to secure the win but survived a late charge in which Ripon Christian used a full-court press and closed to within three with 37 seconds to go.

Jake Vander Veen led the Knights with 19 points, six rebounds and three assists. Luke Crivello made four 3s and finished with 14 points. Jace Beidleman added 10 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks.  

Raj Sandhu scored 10 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter for Gregori, knocking down four 3s in all. Dru Shafer and Jayson Powers each contributed 12.

Ripon Christian previously defeated Gregori 65-60 on Dec. 7 and 67-48 on Dec. 22.

Clovis East 55, Manteca 46

Peyton Nieman fired 20 points, but the Buffaloes (9-4) could not keep up with one of the Central Section’s top squads in the second half.

A 15-8 third quarter gave the Timberwolves (11-4) the separation they needed after a 25-25 halftime deadlock.

Aidan Beechler and McKay Olsen scored 14 points apiece. Jeremy Pierro pitched in 10 points, all in the first half.

Manteca tangles with Pleasant Valley of Chico in the seventh-place game today at 1:30 p.m.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Central Catholic 36, Ripon Christian 24

The Knights (7-5) could not get untracked offensively in the Gallo Tournament championship game, losing to the host school.

Reagan Vander Hoek had seven points and 10 rebounds, while all-tournament selection contributed seven points and six boards.

Manteca 53, Mountain House 42

Jada Ikharo registered 17 points and six steals to lead Manteca (13-3) to the road win.

Michailla Springs added 13 points, and Izabella Sanchez controlled the game at point guard.

JV boys basketball
Manteca 56, Weston Ranch 45

Harp Mehrok scored 11 points, while Antonio Fraley and Devon Richardson added nine apiece as the Buffaloes stampeded to the Block M Tournament championship.

Sierra 45 Ripon 24
Colby Vueve scored nine points, and A.J. Chapman had eight as the Timberwolves (12-4) dominated the Block M Tournament consolation final.

Frosh boys basketball

Manteca 52 Sierra 32
The Buffaloes made seven of eight 3-pointers as they rolled to a third-place finish in their Block M Tournament.

Shahab Safi and Madden Melendez recorded 13 and 12 points, respectively. Isaiah Revives led Sierra (8-5) with 11.